Hey :)

So lately I have just been thinking about all the occurrences that happen to us as we go along in life. When we are hurt by someone or something, the feeling of joy when someone we love wants to spend time with us, morning coffee, the smell of new and old books, the feeling of power when we get angry or excited about something we are passionate about, and just big or little things like these. They all change us, they shape us, mold us into the person we are.

And just now as I was writing this I was thinking about how we, sometimes, look down or judge other people for liking certain things or being passionate about something. I know for me personally, I get nervous to wear or do certain things because I feel it's weird or something along that line. As long is something is appropriate, (morally wise) why not be you? So what if you want to wear glam makeup on a daily basis or listen to music that is not on the top 10 list on iTunes.  When you show who you really are, you are showing that you are confident. Whenever I see someone being truly themselves, they just look so happy, genuinely happy. I love it so much.

The post is definitely all over the place. But it has been on my mind a lot and I think it's important to be reminded of it once in a while. Have a great day lovelies.

Ephesians 2:8-9

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
Not of works, lest any man should boast

This verse shows why the Popes in the time of the Renaissance practically hid part of the Word of God from the common people. The result of them finding out the truth about salvation through faith ( and other doctrine) would hinder the power of the Popes, among other problems. Martin Luther (above) is admired by many of his bravery of standing up to these powerful Popes by confidently posting his "95 Theses" that contained major problems with the Catholic religion to the door of the Wittenberg Castle Church in Germany. He started one the most important times in history that is well remembered. Even though Luther may not have had everything correct in his doctrinal beliefs, we can certainly follow his example of his courage and determination to do what's right. Of course, there is much more to his story, but I think his Thesis is something everyone should know about. 

-picture from google images-

Hello everyone :)
So, I was reading in my "Philosophy, 100 Essential Thinkers" book about Thallus of Miletus, who was the first known philosopher. It was talking about how he viewed the world and he claimed that the earth floats on water. When there is an earthquake, it is due to the waves when they are rough. I don't know why that was so fascinating and humorous to me. But, if you did not know how things worked in the world at all, that would be a logical conclusion. It just goes to show how far we have come with bright philosophers, and (thankfully) Christian philosophers. I have been really into philosophy lately, it interests me to see how minds back then and now work. Genius conclusions have been made, but not all are correct. But we do have the most true and reliable source, of course, the Bible. But not everyone believes in the Bible. This is particularly difficult when trying to explain Creation vs. Evolution to someone who completed denies the Word of God. That is why, I think, it is important to be able to defend Creation without using verses. Learn the science side of it, that is what they want to hear. Tell them it is impossible for something to come out of nothing, it has never been done and never will be done. Ask them why there are no fossils that have shown the process of Evolution at all. People have gone to desperate measures trying to prove Evolution, including making a fossil out of various bones that add up with Evolution. So this probably has nothing to do with Thallus, but hey, had to get it out lol :) So anyways, thoughts? Questions? I would love to hear your take on Evolution vs. Creation....or philosophy. Thanks for reading my rambling post! -Shandi

creds to "Philosophy, 100 Essential Thinkers"  by Philip Stokes for the Thallus of Miletus info.)

Waiting on God.

Recently God has been teaching me something and I thought I would share. Recently I have been struggling badly with worry and my future. (I literally got hives thinking about whether or not
I should go to college or not) These past weeks I have read many things on not worrying, some in my devotions and another time while reading my friend Hannah's blog. Then all of a sudden I just felt so stressed with my current school and my future. I wasn't trusting God to handle my problems and work, I was putting them all on myself instead of giving them to Him. I don't lead my future, He does, and why worry when He has it all planned out? My life right now is starting to get very busy, I finally got my license, am volunteering at a nursing home, taking an online college course, trying a different church, finishing up my last year of high school, taking an ASL class, along with others things. I honestly love being busy, I just wish I would not get so stressed (especially about my education). I need to learn that just giving everything to God is the only way I will find peace. Just some stuff that I have been learning...


~image from google~

The waves pounded at her feet. The pleasurable sound of seagulls and children laughing surrounded her. She sifted the sand through her hands. She looked out at the massive sea, rolling and tumbling. Awful thoughts rushed through her head. She wondered about her purpose, love, and who she really was. She was drowning in her thoughts of worthlessness. 

Suddenly a scream filled the air, sounds of splashing and struggling shook her out of her day dream. 

A child, a little boy, was caught up in the waves, struggling to stay above water. 

She looked around. No one was here, no parents?

Immediately she rushed to the water, diving in. Fear took over, she never was a good swimmer. The child kept drifting away…

She tried harder, salt in her eyes, freezing from the shocking cold water. 

Suddenly she was next to him. Grabbing his shaking body she swam with all she had towards the shore. Her knees scraped the sand and she knew they were safe. 

She looked at the small boy, he was staring at her with calm in his eyes. No fear in his eyes?

“Where are your parents?” She asked shivering. 

“Where is your God Sarai?” 

His question stunned her. 

The boy continued. “My God was with you, He saved us. He still needs you, and you need to fulfill his purpose. Love Sarai, love is who God is. Who are you? Do you know? Do you know that God engraved love into you when He created you? You are literally made from the mind of God. But you have shut Him out. You accepted Him, then you decided you wanted to live your own life. You found no satisfaction. You know what you need to do. 

The boy just calmly straightened out his swimsuit and walked slowly away. 

She looked after him, not sure what had just happened. She looked back at the ocean, realizing she really could have died, but she didn’t.

She looked back at the boy, but he was gone. No where to be seen on the long shoreline.

Suddenly she smiled, realizing that God indeed did love her. 

“I am loved”

So obviously this is not my best, but it was something that was on my mind. I realized that we are a part of God’s mind. Something he came up with, in love. If you are here on this earth, you have a purpose. It just makes sense. There is something God wants you to do. 

Anyway, I am not good with stories but hope you enjoyed it. 

~~~God bless

(Image from Google)

A friend loveth at all times.

Today I realized just how amazing my friends are. I have a small group of friends, and they are fabulous. They encourage me in the Lord and support me. This part of a verse "A friend loveth at all times" is very deep actually. My friends and I are not exactly the same at all. We have different opinions in things. Do we agree on everything? No. But does a friend love at all times? Yes. I want to write some of the things I love about my friends that I know read my blog.

Acelia~ You are my other half. You and I have grown so much in the Lord and we are still doing it together. I see your passion for Christ when you start talking about what you have learned. I admire you so much and you have taught me more than you know. You taught me to have more confidence, to be more brave, and that it's O.K. to not be perfect. I laugh so much more with you and my life is a little brighter when I am around you. Love you <3
                                                                                                                                                                      Hannah~ We have had some adventures haha, and many, many inside jokes. It has been wonderful growing up with you and I will never forget how much fun I have had with you. I love your big heart for God and the joy that you always have when I see you. You are not afraid to be your own person and that is so admirable. Thanks for the amazing times and future times that I am sure will happen. <3

Nina~ The philosopher. You have taught me to think on a deeper level and have inspired me in writing and art. Even though you may not like how serious you are, I admire it. People respect you for it and when you speak they will take you seriously. You express your love for God in writing and you have a true gift with it. There is always an elegance about you, a beauty that is not only on the outside, but on the inside. You're beautiful in all ways Hannah <3

Ryn~ My partner in language learning :) You are one of the happiest people I know. You have such passion with everything you do and that is something I love about you. You are so good with people, and have the ability to make anyone happy. I am always amazed when I see your poetry, they are beautifully written. I especially love the ones you write about the stars. Thanks for teaching me to enjoy life a little more <3

~Thank you for reading my blog and supporting me. I love you guys!~

Goals for this New Year

I do not usually make New years resolutions. I either end up losing the paper I wrote them on or just forget them.
So this year is a clean slate.

1. Pray more.
I forget. A lot. It is horrible I know. After watching "War Room" I was very convicted in my prayer life and how lazy I was with it. So, I cleaned out a spot in my closet, hung up prayer notes, and now plan to pray in there every night.

2. Become better with people.
This is a weird resolution. But, I am hoping to dive into ministry and that is meeting and helping many people. I want to join more things, not sure what yet, just to work on my people skills. Socialization tires me out easily and I want to work on that.

3. Become more involved with my church.
I am thinking helping with the nursery or cleaning. Once I get my license I plan to do something.

4. Start tutoring.
Learning is something I highly value and love. Reading, writing and spelling are the subjects I would like to teach. Once I am fluent in ASL I would love to teach that.

5. Graduate

I am 16 and graduating early. I am hoping to start online college through BJU and begin a counseling course. I have big goals and dreams, but really all I want is my life to line up with God's plan.

So there it is. I could write a lot more, but I won't. I believe 2016 is going to be a wonderful year. I have amazing friends who inspire me, parents who support me, and a God who never leaves me.

Let's not be ordinary in 2016, lets be extraordinary. ~Shandi